NSA Shares Information on Faith Climate Action Week and Environmental Sustainability Resources
The National Spiritual Assembly of the USA sent a letter to the Baha'i community reminding the friends of this year’s Faith Climate Action Week, which will run from April 19-28. The letter cites some opportunities that are available to participate in activities that promote environmental sustainability and includes links to educational resources. The National Assembly’s letter is accessible through the following link and reproduced in full below:
National Spiritual Assembly on 2024 Faith Climate Action Week (PDF)
March 5, 2024
To the American Bahá’à community
Dear Bahá’à Friends, As the seasons change and we joyously advance towards spring and the period of reflection and renewal that encompasses the Bahá’à festivals of Naw-Rúz and Riḍván, it is timely to pause and contemplate our relationship with our natural environment. The recently published Fifth National Climate Assessment reports that the United States experienced at least 25 weather and climate disasters in 2023, ranging from hurricanes and forest fires to drought and flooding. By comparison, from 1980–2022, this number averaged less than nine incidents annually. Further, average global temperatures in each of the last 12 months have reached unprecedented levels. While sobering, such growing challenges represent a remarkable opportunity to bring the light of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to bear on these pressing issues.
Technical solutions such as low-emissions transportation, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture will undoubtedly be essential in transitioning to a more equitable and environmentally friendly economy; however, these are elements best worked out by the scientific and policy experts. To truly address the climate crisis, all of us must become ever more mindful of the moral, ethical, social, and environmental implications of our behaviors and reflect on how spiritual principles can help us overcome the self-interests that have allowed the crisis to deepen.
For those who wish to learn more about the national discourse on climate change, we are pleased to share a few upcoming opportunities. The Bahá’Ă-inspired International Environment Forum has developed an elearning center that features a range of useful resources, including materials for children’s classes and devotional gatherings. The Blessed Tomorrow initiative of ecoAmerica offers an interfaith Climate Ambassadors training program, and Interfaith Power and Light will again host a Faith Climate Action Week, April 19–28, 2024. We know that many friends care deeply about these issues and hope that these spaces for advancing learning will inspire many to robustly engage in the evolving discourse on environmental matters. Be assured of our appreciation for your efforts and of our loving best wishes.
With loving Bahá’à greetings,
Kenneth E. Bowers
Secretary
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’Ăs of the United States
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